D'BANJ,HITV TAKES KOKOMASION TO FRANCE,GHANA

WHEN Koko Mansion, a television reality show being facilitated by HiTV Nigeria, finally begins, viewers in faraway France and Nigeria’s next door neighbour, Ghana as well as other African countries, will have the opportunity of seeing the show being touted as the ‘biggest reality show in Africa live.

This is going to be made possible because, HiTV, the wholly Nigerian pay television company, is among other African channels currently on the French IPTV operator Free, which has introduced a new range of African channels on its platform. Being the first group brought together in the African Premium bouquet, it was developed in cooperation with Thema and comprises nine public and commercial channels from a variety of African nations: two from Senegal ( RTS and 2STV), three from Cameroon, (CRTV, STV2 and Canal 2), the national public channel of Côte d’Ivoire (RTI), the public channel of the Mali (ORTM), the public channel of the Congo (Tele Congo) and the pan-African channel Africable.

HiTV is available on Free as a la carte service.Freebasic TV subscribers can in addition receive the pan-African news and information channel Voxafrica. Also, in Ghana, a deal has been signed between HiTV and Skyy Media for the distribution of HiTV’s flagship channels Hi-Nolly and Nigezie on its platform. It’s founder and chief executive director, Mr. Toyin Subair, in a statement said, HiTV is pleased about this development “especially in light of its new TV reality show featuring D’banj tagged Koko Mansion, being supported by Nigerian Breweries Plc, Jagal Group, that is billed to come up soon on our platform. The implication of this, is that viewers in Africa and Europe will get to see Koko Mansion live as events unfold in the quest of searching for the ideal Kokolette (woman).

We are happy that in just two years, HiTV is moving ahead on a difficult turf such as the pay television’s.” Subair said the arrival of Hi Nolly and Nigezie in France and Ghana, shows that HiTV is leading the pack in showcasing Nigeria’s culture in the area of movie and music. “It is time to take Nigeria’s culture to the outside world, we want the world to know more about us in this period that we are rebranding as a nation. So, what HiTV is doing is complimenting the federal government’s efforts aimed at rebranding our nation.” It will be recalled that HiTV is already in the UK and plans are ongoing to take the pay television channels to other parts of Africa, Europe and America.

Meanwhile, registration is gradually coming to an end in the ongoing race to be the nation’s number one Kokolette. HiTV’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Justin Akpovi-Esade, said the pay TV company was satisfied with the response from potential Kokolettes. “The response so far has been impressive, but this phase is gradually coming to an end.” He is grateful to all the companies that have come on board to support Koko Mansion, so far, even as he called on other corporate bodies to join in the quest for the number Kokolette in Nigeria. The show is scheduled to hold in a couple of weeks.

-gistmaster.com

THE ULTIMATE SEARCH IS BACK!

Nigerians can’t get enough of the country’s biggest and boldest reality TV show… and so after five brilliant years searching for men and women with intellect, determination and guts: it’s time for the Gulder Ultimate Search 6!

It started at the mysterious Snake Island , and then moved to the meandering cold hills of Obudu. It was also NIFOR, at the very humid forest that houses the Oil palm research institute before we progressed to Shere hills in Jos Plateau State . Last year, the search was for the lost chronicles in Agwu Hills, Mmaku. This year’s search will be set within the undulating plains of the Omodo Forest in Ada , Osun State , and will to stretch man to the very limit of his endurance.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” the producers said at the press conference announcing the show last week.

They will be searching for the HORN OF VALOUR hidden in the hands of the beautiful guardian of the forest. It is believed that the secret message on the horn is the only solution that can change the world’s destiny. To find it, these men will battle nature and the wild… is Nigeria ready for this?!

Entry to the Search is free and the selection process will be rigorous and have a national spread. The application form is available on www.gulderultimatesearch.tv

If you want to register, closing date is 11 June 2009, so register now viathe website http://www.gulderultimatesearch.tv; but if you just want all that juicy detail on this year’s show; the website is still the place to go.

The Ultimate Man/Woman who finds the Horn of Valour will exchange it for a cash prize of N7million (seven million Naira), a wardrobe allowance of =N=500,000 and a Brand New SUV. Other searchers will receive cash reward from 500, 000 upwards. And the last woman standing still gets the big N1, 000, 000 reward!

UBA PLC CELEBRATES DEMOCRACY DAY AT AUTO LOUNGE

Story & photo by Niyi Tabiti

UBA Plc, one of Nigeria’s banks set Auto Lounge aglow on Thursday 28 May 2009 when it sponsored the democracy day gig at the popular hangout. The hangout was packed full of fun seekers and bank officials looking for the big spenders in the club to move in to UBA with their huge accounts. The gig was specifically to celebrate the 10 years of anniversary of democracy in Nigeria.
One of those at hangout told www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com the event is another way of networking for more customers, taking their products to would be customers in the cause of having fun. “You know this is the kind of club where you see the real big boys and babes hanging out. Its easier, when they are more relaxed”
It should be recalled that in January 2009, the UBA had the colourful edition of its annual CEO awards.Staff who have distinguished themselves in line of duty were rewarded by the management of the company. Tony Elumelu, the suave Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer the bank was accompanied to the ceremony by his beautiful wife, Awele.
We gathered that the January event was the work of a team, which has the likes of Pamela Shodipo, Eunice Adegulehin, Nneka Iwuchukwu,Ijeoma Aso and others on board.

By Niyi Tabiti

SHOWTIME AFRICA, a company owned by top comedian and showbiz entrepreneur, Tunde Adewale otherwise known as Tee- A, hosted celebrities to the second edition f its annual Old Skool party in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event took place in the classy ambience of Fantasyland, Ikoyi. The music and dressing pattern of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s of Lagos socialites was the pivot of the ceremony. No one was left out of the fun as many of the guests at comedians and musicians turned out with their exhilarating performances.

Those who showed up at the ceremony, include Bright Ikpocha the comedians known as Basket Mouth, Julius Agwu and wife, Kenny st.Brown, Essence,Bisoye Fagade,Seyi Otuyemi, Ayo Animashaun of Hip Hop World,Sheddy Baba,Dayo of Hip on Tv,Omawunmi,Isio Wanogho,Sound Sultan, Tony Tetuila,Eddy Remedy and others.

The best performer of the night goes to Eddy Remedy, who brought back to life “Mo shako mo’ the song that brought him and other members of the defunct Remedies group to limelight in the 80s.He got the whole screaming with excitement. That mood would have set in the process of reconciliation between the artiste and his estranged wife, Kenny st.Brown, but it was futile at the end. When Eddy was moving the crowd, Tee A tried appealing to Kenny st. Brown just to make her join Eddy on stage but she politely refused.

STAR COMEDIAN, TEE A TOOK US BACK TO THE OLD SKOOL WITH SHOWTIME AFRICA'S CUSTUME PARTY IN IKOYI,LAGOS

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti

Tunde Adewale, one of Nigeria top comedians and compere extraordinare was the chief host on Thursday 28 May as his company, Showtime Africa, puts together another blissful edition of the annual Old School party.The event took place at Fantasyland,Ikoyi,Lagos.

Entertainers,nollywod stars,brand and event managers were at the event.T

he list include Julius Agwu and wife,Bisoye Fagade of Soulcomms, Ayo Animashaun of Hip Hop World,Kingsley James, Ay the comedian,Jeddi,Tony Tetuila,Blakky,Seyi Otuyemi,Bunmi Oyesiku.Bright Ikpocha popularly known as Basket Mouth,Kenny St.Brown,Essence and others.More photos and gist comes your way soonest.

Photo 1:TEE A,wife and twin sister-Photo 2-TEE A's mother-in-law-Photo 3-Cossy Orjiakor-photo 4-A comedian,OMO JESU-Photo 5-Dayo of hip on tv,adebola williams,mary j and omawunmi-photo 6-bunmi oyesiku and Ronke-photo 7-S.Dot of Soundcity.

More photos and gist later!

WHO WINS GISTMASTER BEST DRESSED CELEBRITY IN 2009

By Niyi Tabiti

Thank you all to those who have been contacting us on the 2009 edition of our best dressed star. Loads and loads of suggestions have been coming our way and i must state that we on this side are more than happy that the world all over, our stars are appreciated. Last year's edition was fabulous.Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde, Rita Dominic,Genevieve Nnaji,Stephanie Okereke and Ini Edo were some of the names mentioned last year. People did not only vote, they also commented on why they would choose a particular star as the winner.
About 40 journalists, fashion designers and celebrities were also asked to go through a secret balot on their choice of best dressed actress.Rita Dominic emerged as the winner.GISTMASTER had a grand reception for her at Swe Bar!
Many thanks to our dear friend,Tosyn Bucknor-the small but mighty presenter,writer,singer,blogger etc...Tosyn,you are too much...oti po ju!Many thanks to Swe Bar.Ajibola Ayana Olubiyi,Otunba Olakunrin and others- you are wonderful,Tara Fela Durotoye,we love you...thanks for the support. I must never forget KU, a fan of this blog in America who sent some good stuff to be given to the winner. She brought the 'you can do spirit' into the Best dressed award by fufilling the promise she made to me via email. When I look back at the email, I just laugh.In her first email, she said "Niyi, i am going to send you some gifts for the winner. Send me your address.Don't think this is a kind of 419 or something..."
We sincerely thank the Nigerian press for their contributions. Encomium, Punch Newspapers, Champion, City People, First Weekly, News of the People, Global Excellence, The Sun Newspapers, The Nation, Vanguard Newspapers, Top Celebrities,Werunthings.com, Nicholas Anukanti of Style TV, Genevieve Magazine,Quest Television, Showtime Africa (Tee A baba, you are too much), Galaxy Television and others too numerous to mention.Ms. Kemi Otegbade of Heartlink,thanks for always being there. Mr.Kunle Bakare-publisher of Encomium-i call him the professor of celebrity journalism.Mr.KB!Thanks for all the workshops.We use to complain about those daily meetings but now it works,My oga, Mr.Azuh Arinze, editor of Encomium-I can't thank you enough.Tayo Odusanya, Ayeni Adekunle,Nonye Iwuagwu,Amadi Ogbonaya,Victor Akande, Godwin Onyemachi,Patience… and finally, I thank my wife,TEE for the support,Uzor Ngoladi, Seun Oloketuyi,Stella Dimoko Korkos, Bayo Adetu.I must not forget Gbenga Adeyinka, the comedian of the Federal Republic.And to all readers, I thank you all!
Bellanaija, Linda Ikeji,Boobsista, and all of you that supported us through your blogs and other means.
This year, we are also seeking your your love as partner in progress.WE are still on the drawing board and would soon be taking off. This year, we would be launching the best dressed campaign in other countries of the world and the winner would be hosted by fans in other parts of the world.Lets go, if you have any idea or support pls text, call , email...!
This year, the winner would not only face the largest convergence of celebritiy photographers, it would be one day of 'Hollywood' celebrity treat.
soon we would announce the sponsors of this year's edition.

Photo-Niyi Tabiti,Ajibola of SWE,Rita Dominic,Kate Henshaw and Anita Joseph at the reception for Rita as BEST DRESSED ACTRESS last year organised by Gistmaster

...EVER 'BUBBLING'MUNACHI AND ADAEZE IGWE ON THE YELLO' CARPET

By Niyi Tabiti

The HIP HOP Award 2009 just like the previous editions turned out to be a parade of stars,many of whom came to show off their latest designer outfits.
Munachi Abii,a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria was in company of Adaeze Igwe,the beauty queen who took over from her.Munachi showed up in a short gown while Adaeze got her swagger in a long black gown.Hmm..what more,Munachi apparently grabbed some attention by showing more flesh on the front side.Munachi is ever 'bubbling' or what do you think?Well,Cossy was not there to challenge her!lol

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN